Building Resilient Cities Key to Tackling Effects of Climate Change

The EEA report ‘Urban adaptation to climate change in Europe 2016 – transforming cities in a changing climate’ provides an in-depth overview of actions that urban planners and policymakers can take to help lessen the impact of climate change. The report outlines the changes and socio-economic challenges cities face due to climate change, and the possible consequences. It analyses the approaches cities can take to adaptation and explains that short-term coping or incremental adaptation measures alone will not be enough to mitigate the threats.

The report recommends that the best way to meet these challenges is to take a wider systemic approach that addresses the root causes of vulnerability to climate change. This includes better urban planning, with more green areas that can retain excess rainwater or cool built-up city cores in the summer, or by preventing the construction of houses in flood-prone areas. This approach can transform cities into much more attractive, climate-resilient and sustainable places.

European cities are increasingly susceptible to the negative aspects of climate change, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity with extreme events such as heatwaves, flooding, water scarcity and droughts. At the same time, socio-economic and demographic developments can make cities more vulnerable. These will have profound impacts on a wide range of city functions, infrastructure and services such as energy, transport, and water and will affect the quality of life.

According to the report, 100 cities, including Copenhagen, Rotterdam, Barcelona, Bologna and Bratislava, have already started to look at their vulnerability to climate change. They have developed plans and strategies and started implementing them. Governments and organisations at EU, national and regional levels have also developed political and legislative frameworks for cities to implement adaptation measures – among them the EU Adaptation Strategy and the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy initiative. However, more needs to be done, as many more cities are not yet planning for climate change, the report says.

Upcoming Events

The Global Water Summit is for those individuals who want to make a difference – to get involved, to join the debate and get things done. Whichever part of the industry you’re in, you’ll find you’re in the right place to meet more key water leaders than you ever thought possible. Water ministers and utility chief executives who take responsibility for water infrastructure Business leaders who rely on water to maintain their production Investors who are concerned about the impact of water risk on their portfolios Engineers and water technologists who can provide the solutions

Join us at Structures Congress in Orlando, Florida, April 25–27, 2019, to be inspired, connect with leaders in the profession, learn from the experts, and earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Stay and experience all Orlando has to offer – it’s not just theme parks!

The AEC BuildTech Conference & Expo is a unique new event spotlighting the latest design & building processes, products and emerging technologies. This interactive three-day conference & expo is designed to inform and inspire today’s entire building team — innovative and influential architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers, owners and more. Educational sessions will include five separate tracks focused on plumbing, HVAC/mechanical systems, flooring, building envelope and roofing. As an attendee you will walk away from this event with the connections and knowledge to leverage tomorrow’s building processes and construction technologies.